Love and Cigarettes

Chapter Seventeen

Incognito. The name of the company established and presently owned by my boss, Sir Alex Alterra. It was a clothing line targeted to men, and they make good stuff. They were overpriced, though.

I could never understand the rich.

Anyway, I've once read the inspiring story of Sir Alex in a magazine. His success didn't happen overnight. Mayaman ang pamilya nila, oo, pero walang sumuporta kay Sir Alex noong nag-umpisa siya sa negosyo. He was only twenty-one when he started his clothing line. Twenty freaking one.

Of course, no one placed their bet on such a young man who was just new to the industry. Yet look at the result of his efforts, plain and sweet success.

In short, Sir Alex was a hardworking person.

Kaya hindi na nakapagtataka na inabot kami ng alas-onse ng gabi sa opisina, kahit alas-otso pa lang ng gabi ay pwede na kaming umuwi.

He was the type of guy who loses track of time when he works. And I didn't mind, because I liked seeing him work. His productivity is contagious.

I didn't want to bother him, so I quietly placed my papers on the side of his desk. I thought he wouldn't mind me because he's usually too immersed on his own stuff, but he looked at me.

"The list of potential retailers, Sir." sambit ko.

He simply nodded. A man of few words, indeed.

Babalik na sana ako sa desk ko nang magsalita siya, at hindi ko inaasahan ang sinabi ni Sir Alex.

"I really like working with you, Aria."

Did I hear that right?

Nilingon ko siya at napakurap ako. "Really, Sir?"

"Because you talk less and do more." A small smile dawned on his face, which freaked me out internally, because Sir Alex never smiles at all!

"Uhm," nahihiya akong ngumiti. "Thank you?"

"No, Aria. Rather, thank you for coming to our company. I'm glad you're here with me." malumanay niyang sabi.

My face reddened in embarrassment. They say I've matured, but I'm still the same girl who can't handle compliments. He's too kind with his words!

Hindi na ulit nagsalita si Sir Alex at bumalik na siya sa ginagawa niya. This guy... I don't think he knows the gravity of his words! He's glad I'm here with him, huh? Isn't he worried that I might get the wrong idea? This is making me too nervous.

It was already past twelve in the midnight when we decided to go home. Bayad naman ako sa overtime kaya okay lang. More work, more pay.

Habang magkatabi kami sa backseat pauwi, nakatulog na si Sir Alex sa sobrang pagod.

Ang gwapo naman nito kahit tulog. Unfair. Natawa ako sa sarili kong iniisip. Ako kasi mukhang butete 'pag tulog.

Our driver abruptly hit the brake so I instinctively held Sir Alex on his forehead to protect him from hitting the front seat. Nagkatinginan kami ni Dan na noo'y nasa passenger's seat.

"Loko naman 'yon." inis na komento ni Dan. Tinutukoy niya 'yong sasakyan na biglang nag-overtake sa amin. "Okay lang si Sir?"

Tumingin ako kay Sir Alex. To my surprise, he was already awake... with my hand still on his forehead! Oh, my god!

"Are you okay, Sir?" I stammered.

For some reason, his eyes looked dreamy.

Sandali siyang napatitig sa akin. Matapos ang ilang segundo, muling pumikit si Sir Alex at bumulong. "Your hand is so cold, Aria."